Hopefully, not the last Airbender. Review: La Flor Dominicana Airbender Maestro

The truth is, we’re all biased. It is hard to remain objective on anything especially when so many things can influence our opinions, thoughts, and decisions. That being said, I am not necessarily partial to one brand of cigars over the other…for the most part. All smugness aside, I’ll leave it with this: La Flor Dominicana will always be my first love when it comes to cigars.

I remember the first time I had a La Flor; Monday, December 9, 2002. As the first semester of my college career was coming to a close, it had been a rough one. I was adjusting to time away from the only home I had ever known, classes, time management, social obligations, girls, and life unexpected as it came. I walked into my local cigar spot, a place you can still find me 1-2 times a week, and the place was especially crowded for a Monday. “Damn,” I thought, I came here to study for my Biology final that was the next day, and I was not about to blow my first college final. As I made my way through the crowd a large and tall gentleman with a brown mustache touched me on the shoulder and asked, “Son, have you ever tried a La Flor Dominicana?” I replied simply, “No.” The gentleman proceeded to talk to me about Litto Gomez (the maker of La Flor), the mystique of the ligero tobacco leaf, and trying to convince me that this was the greatest smoke on earth. Mind you, I had recently graduated from Titan Phillies and Swishers to Romeo y Julietas, Partagas, and Macanudos. I thought I knew what a premier cigar was. I hadn’t even heard of Rocky Patel, Paul Garmirian, Camacho, or even Ashton at this point.

The guy was so dedicated to me not smoking any cigar but his, he gave me one for free. And what a cigar it was, a beautiful 6x56 Double Ligero Toro. That guy knew what he was talking about even if he was full of it. I smoked that stogie down to the nub and bought five La Flors to take back to my dorm. Standing was a feat, while walking was damn near impossible. That tobacco high had me floating. Ahh, was I ever that young?

Ever since that fateful day, I have followed the production of La Flor Dominicana.  In fact, if it weren't for these cigars I probably wouldn't be the cigar aficiando I am today or even love cigars as much as I do.  So, mom, if you want to blame somebody, ha!

Litto Gomez, along with his wife, Ines Lorenzo-Gomez, entered the industry in the mid-1990s.  After a few speedbumps, they buckled down and began investing their time with some of the best people in the business.  They built their business slowly, improving their product until they eventually had their own factory.  Backed by the old mantra of, "quality over quantity, they are now a major player in the world of cigars.

Gomez, who happens to be a huge fan of Kung Fu movies, named his latest creation after the story made famous by Japanese anime and the M. Night Shyamalan feature due for release this summer.  The Air Bender sports a Cuban-seed Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that is the same leaf that Gomez used on his 95-rated Solomon from 2009.  The binder and filler hail from, of course, the Dominican Republic. 

I selected the "Maestro" size for this review.  At five inches in length with a 52 gauge, it allowed me the perfect-sized sample of this new creation.

The wrapper and construction is nearly flawless with one visible seam along the side.  The dark brown color is gorgeous and solid with a pre-light smell of dark robust earth and lingering pepper.  The dry draw also has some pepper and leather.  I can tell this cigar is going to be a powerhouse before I even light it.  I use a guillotine cutter to clip the end off and light the foot with a match.

I was right.  The first few puffs are filled with power and strength.  The earthy flavored foundation is coated with spice, spice and oh yeah, I forgot...more spice. The aroma is not very pronounced, but has subtle hints of nutmeg and pepper.

As I continue to smoke, the ash begins to show its amazing solid light gray color.  The burn begins to even up a bit more and the draw pulls in just the right amount of smoke.  The aroma builds while the strength subsides.  This stogie has a great mouth-feel and a creaminess that coats the palate with the perfect amount of smoke.

As I approach the middle of the cigar, I notice that the creaminess has built up quite a bit with lingering notes of caramel and nutmeg.  The character of the cigar has developed quite the flavor profile.

Rich, sweet and strong has been the consistent characteristics of La Flor Dominicanas over the years and the Air Bender follows suit in its own unique way.  The creamy smoke, earthy core, and subtle sweet notes push the Airbender up the list of favorites and may be the most solid creation by Gomez yet.

This stogie finishes very well with almost no bitterness.  The lingering strength is only complimented with the subtle notes of caramel and nutmeg.  I chose an anejo rum as my complimentary beverage after a recommendation from another connosieur.  I think bourbon, scotch, port, stout beer, or french roast coffee would also be excellent compliments to the Airbender.

Gomez is quoted saying that the Airbender is "no sissy cigar."  I fully agree.  If you're a mild or even a medium cigar smoker, I urge to tread lightly.  However, if you are used to full-bodied stogies or want to venture out a bit, then I really recommend the Airbender.

My Ratings:

Appearance - 10

Pre-light taste- 9

Construction - 9

Draw - 9

Burn - 8

Aroma - 8

Flavor - 10

Balance - 9
Finish- 10

Total Rating: 9.1

Smoke on guys and gals and remember, there is nothing wrong with knowing you are the best.

Regards,

Bear

Cigar Review: Brick House Robusto

I knew I wanted to review this cigar the moment I read about its release from the J.C. Newman Cigar Company.  The Churchill received an awesome '91' rating from Cigar Aficionado Magazine in its last issue of 2009.  I planned in indulging in one of those for this review, but when my local cigar shop only had one robusto left, I took it as a sign.  According to brickhousecigars.com, the robusto lies more on the medium flavored front than its counterparts that finish more on the fuller side.  

First, a little background for the uneducated.  The original Newman, Julius Caesar (J.C.) Newman, immigrated to America in 1888.  Seven short years later he founded J.C. Newman Cigar Co., which is the oldest family-owned cigar maker still standing in the U.S. today.  One of Newman's earliest releases was Brick House, an omage to his heritage.  Growing up as a child in his village, the building he called home was the only brick structure around.  It was not only his home, but also served as the town's tavern.  For decades, his friends, family, neighbors and travelers gathered at the end of a hard day's work to drink, eat, smoke and enjoy the company of others. 

Of course, like all other ol' world cigars, J.C. made most of his prized products from the rich tobacco that hailed from Cuba.  The original Brick House was no exception.  Today, the company is run by J.C.'s grandsons, Eric and Bobby, who have re-released this omage in their family's honor.  The 2009 edition of Brick House is an all-Nicaraguan product from wrapper to filler.  The lush,well-balanced cigar hasn't lost any richness. 

The Brick House robusto is perfectly shaped, at five inches in length with a 54 ring gauge.  This oily, richly colored puro is ripe for the smoking.  The pre-light taste and aroma is earthy and has a hint of spice.  I cut the cap off with my guillotine cutter, and savored the pre-light scent once more.  I bite down on the toothy cap and inhale for the draw dry taste.  I can tell that robust earthiness is going to be the foundation for this cigar, but I have a feeling it will be very complex with hints of maple now coming though.  I chose to light the robusto with a match, as I have been favoring them lately on my smaller cigars.  

The first few puffs are nothing but a straight punch of earth with leathery notes.  The draw is beautiful with cool, flavorful smoke that lingers softly on the palate.  It's a little more mild than I first thought it would be, but overall the medium label fits really well.  

As I approach the middle of stogie, maple and cedar really come into play.  That maple note is absolutly fantastic!  This truly is an unique cigar, with a very orginal flavorful profile.  Did they really get all of these tobaccos from the same country?  Makes you really think about all of the companies that spend so much time with blending multi-country cigars.     

This baby burns incredibly even.  No small feat since my dog bumped me mid-light and I blew out the match.  I fumbled with lighting a second one as my intial light was noticiably off the mark on eveness.  The ash is a gorgeous light gray and holds its form very well.  I only ashed this cigar three times!

As the stogie nears the label, I begin to pick up some leather and nutty notes to compliment the earthy foundation that has made this cigar fantastic.  I peel off the label for safe keeping and continue to enjoy.  Is it just me, or is there anything better than a two hour robusto?  Most people may cry foul at the idea of making a short smoke last so long, but I disagree.  No matter the length/gauge I say it should take its natural course and be savored.  If it takes 4 hours to take down a Churchill, then do it.  Where does one need to be anyway?

I make this cigar last, and enjoy it all the way to the nub with no bitterness or heat.  The smoke remained cool and flavorful to the end.  Here is the kicker, the finish is enjoyable and has some ligering FRIUT!  Yeah, I couldn't believe it myself.

What a smoke!  I have spent time with a lot of members the cigar community lately, and I have heard a llot of them confess to not being fans of J.C.Newman/Fuente.  Yeah, scary, I know.  But, many have confessed to me that Brick House is a hit.  Well, I agree implicity. 

I have developed a rating system after some consideration of catagories.  I am doing a 0-10 range with zero being worst and ten representing perfection.

My Ratings:

Appearance - 9
Pre-light taste- 8
Construction - 10

Draw - 10

Burn - 10

Aroma - 8

Flavor - 10

Balance - 9

Finish- 10

Total Rating: 9.3

Enjoy guys and gals, and remember, there is nothing wrong with knowing you are the best!

Regards,

Bear  
  

Top ten cigar faux pas and idiosyncrasies that could ruin your cigar experience

I knew I wanted to write a "Top Ten" list like this and the idea got some fire under it last week after a conversation with a good friend of mine. At age 26 and with only eight years of cigar experience, I do not pretend to know it all. Paul Garmirian once wrote that "taste is subjective, but a bad cigar is a bad cigar." I want to add a little bit to that. Yes, anyone has the right to enjoy a cigar and in the fashion that they fit. However, as my good friend, Chris, said the other day, "If people would take just a little time to research a little, it improves an experience tenfold."


I couldn't agree more.

That is where I feel this blog should fit in. I am writing down my reviews, experiences and stories for your enjoyment, with a little education on the side.

So, without further ado, here is my top ten list of faux pas and idiosyncrasies that will ruin (or marginally disrupt) your cigar experience...

10) Size Matters? - Get your mind out of the gutter and quit trying to compensate for something. Yes, there was a time when all I did was reach for a Churchill. God love'em, after all you get twice the cigar for just little more money. It was economical for me, but either way allows you to mature and experience all sizes; Robusto to Toro, Salomon to figurado, and yes, even Presidente. Grow up Count Chocula, size DOES NOT matter.

9) Is that a Cuban?- When puffing on your favorite stogie, either on your porch, in the park, or even at your local cigar shop, how many times have you heard this question? Let's put it this way, as a ratio from how many times I've been asked, first, versus how many Cubans I have actually smoked, the number looks like this: 100 to 1. That isn't an exaggeration. I get asked, probably 1 to 3 times per month. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am a cultural attaché to a South American country, visiting Texas and I brought my own Cubans!”

8) CIGARS STINK! - So does your mom! Just kidding, only when she doesn't bathe. I have approached this debate from many angles over the years and I have a conclusion. Just as taste is subjective, I suppose smell is too. On the other hand, I have had a few experiences like the following story by Paul Garmirian. In his book, Gourmet Guide to Cigars, Garmirian describes an instance where he was sitting at his desk in his office one night and a female colleague walked by and saw an unlit, still wrapped cigar by his side. “You’re not going to light that are you, Paul? Cigars smell terrible!” Garmirian being the gentleman that he is replied that he would abstain in her presence. Later that evening, after she had left, he lit the cigar and continued to work. The colleague returned and unbeknownst to the source, asked Garmirian what smelled “so heavenly.” Over the next few hours they had a candid chat about smoking and eventually the woman quit smoking cigarettes and moved onto cigars. Miracle worker!

7) I DIDN'T INHALE!- You better not. I get asked this almost as much as the Cuban question. Why would I inhale? I smoke because I enjoy life, not because I want to end mine. On the same note, I do see many first-timers and amateurs inhale. Althought mostly by accident or habit of smoking down cigarettes, inhaling occurs quite frequently among newcomers to cigar smoking. That really doesn't bother me as much as the fact that it turns many of these people away from cigars altogether. I remember introducing cigars to a one-time girlfriend, who commented, "Not bad, but I think I like cigarettes better." Oh, the agony! Never mind, her first puff was inhaled deeply then exhaled through the nose. Pretty bad ass at the time, but even now it is pretty brutal to think what that would do to one's nasal passages. If you haven't figured this out yet, take this under serious advisement. Cigars are about flavor not about inhaling smoke into your lungs and dying from lung cancer.

6) TOOTY FRUITY- This next one is going to be seriously sexist, so I apologize profusely upfront. If you have a penis, you should NEVER smoke a flavored cigar. Guys- if you have, all is forgiven if you never do it again. Ladies- if you must, continue. Mango belongs in fruit salad and Amaretto should only be mixed with 7up. "But why, Bear? They taste so good. Didn't you just say that cigars are about flavor?" Damn, you caught me. Yes, flavor is important, but the fastest way to taint your palate for cigars is with flavored ones. Key fact: all flavored cigars are laced with sugars to create that false flavoring you love so much. Ok guys and gals; let's take a trip back down memory lane to AP Chemistry. I know, I know. Who really wants to remember high school, but indulge me for a moment. We all know that sugar burns, but it is the temperature at which it burns that is important. Sugars burn incredibly hot and will destroy taste buds. Keep the fruit as an after school snack and graduate to the wonderful world of real cigars.

5) WHERE'D MY STOGIE GO? - It is considered rude to pick and cut someone else's cigar. That is one of cigar etiquette rules 101. I will say that many of my friends ask me to pick and cut out cigars for them all the time, and I will continue to be more than happy to oblige them. However, if I see anymore examples of people leaving half of their cigar in the ashtray after cutting it, I just may hurl it at them. The risk does not just lay with cutting too much cigar, but also destroying the construction of the cigar. On most cigars there is a clear and defined "cap" on the end of the cigar. With a traditional cutter, one should cut just below the line or on the "shoulder" as it is called. If you cut too much of the cigar the wrapper may come undone and/or the burn's consistency may falter. One brief story. At a bachelor party I was attending, a very generous guest supplied a stash of genuine havanas (Yes, Cubans) he'd been saving up. All the lads were giddy as schoolgirls, including myself, and we all chose our sticks and the oooing and ahhing began. As we all cut our cigars, one of the guys became the victim of some teasing as he had cut off quite a bit of his havana. I even tried to light it! The point is you don't want to disrupt your smoking experience, nor take a chance at potentially damaging or destroying your wrapper or cigar.

4) STUUUUUB OUUUUT! - The following is taken from a previous entry, as some of you already know my opinions on the dreaded "stub-out". A number of reasons include two that have to do with consideration: First off, if a cigar is stubbed out, the inevitable stench that lingers is lengthy and extremely unpleasing to even the aficionado's nose as well to the company around him/her. It is simply easier to let it burn down with no long-term lingering effects. The second reason, if given a cigar, it is extremely rude to put it out once lit. If one is done enjoying (or not enjoying) they need to let it burn out as well. A "stub-out," especially one that is premature, signals to the giver that the cigar was not good or to the taste of the individual in a very abrupt and rude fashion. One friend, in particular, continues to do this in my house even though I remind him each time that it is considered rude and it really stinks up my house. He doesn't do it on purpose, or at least I am convinced he doesn't, but if you are one of these people...PLEASE STOP!

3) FLAMMIN' HOT LIGHTS- Lighting a cigar may invariably seem like a simple task and one that is learned the easiest. Au contraire! With the hundreds of times that I have witnessed someone lighting their cigar I have seen it all from the perfect light to the most botched of jobs. People lighting with bic lighters and butane blow torches, it’s enough just keep my eyes from falling from jumping out of my head in disbelief. Lighting preference is, as most cigar concepts are, subjective. Yet, to see a fellow cigar smoker to point blow torch butane directly at the foot of their cigar and puff furiously is like nails on a chalk board for me, but it can't be enjoyable for them either. I know two guys who make lighting a cigar look as effortless as breathing, my brother, Shawn, being one and another friend, Trent, being the other. They'll take a simple cocktail book of matches, strike one, and form a perfect burned cherry at the end of their cigar. Oh, it's a masterpiece! I, on the other hand, am a cool lighter by trade. I don't inhale at all, I simply apply a butane lighter's flame to the foot for about 30 consecutive seconds and allow it to catch itself ablaze. Traditional? No. Cool? Yes.

2) WHAT'CHA SMELLING THERE BOY'O? - Everyone has no doubt seen this one. You're in the walk-in humidor at your local cigar shop and "that guy" walks in. You know, the one with the strut, probably wearing a suit and maybe even on a cell phone. He'll walk right over the Romeo y Julieta tubos or cedros, pick it up, and take a big ol' whiff! I do humbly admit (note: sarcasm) that plastic does smell really good, especially after a long day, but I usually abstain. What do these people expect to smell? I love it when they pretend to smell something and say, "Ahh, now that is the real McCoy." I usually reply with a sarcastic, "Yeah, nice." I turn to roll my eyes. Tool.

1) (TIE)

a) DO YOU HAVE A TICK? - I think this may be a direct indication of the society that we live in. Impatience does not mix with cigar smoking. Your cigar is not a cigarette; it does not need to be flicked constantly. Let it sit, let it burn, savor the moment....TRUST ME! The flavor of the cigar will be enjoyed much more, if you leave it alone.

-And-

b) PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON? - Smoking a cigar as indicated above is about the moment. It isn't a race. That being said, stop with the constant puffing. Oh, so you finished a toro in 15 mins flat, eh? Big deal, where did you need to be so badly? You should, ideally, take two puffs per minute. Seriously, this will allow your palate enough time to savor and discern the complexity of the cigar. If nothing else, it will give you more time to relax and enjoy some time with friends.

There you have it guys and gals, enjoy! And remember, there is nothing wrong with knowing you are the best!

Regards,

Bear

Reflections of 2009

The year of 2009 was long and yet, short at the same time. As days seemed to drag, weeks flew by. Holidays, parties, and weddings came and went. Cigars burned down to the nub on a weekly basis. Yes, 2009 was indeed a good and interesting year.

In the last week of 2008, I proposed to the most amazing woman, Kris. For reasons still not understood, she said yes and early this spring I will start the rest of my life with her. It's at this opportunity, which I wish to thank her so far for her support and contribution to this blog. She has edited most of the posts, thus far, correcting my grammatical inventions, er errors. For a gal who doesn't know a robusto from a toro, or could tell the difference between a maduro wrapper and a Connecticut shade, she has supported my endeavor here from day one.

This is only the beginning guys and gals. I plan to continue this venture as long as cigars remain legal. Although these days it seems that it is more of a possibility, I don't honestly foresee the end result coming to that. But you really never know.

Some other thanks need to go out to my initial followers and supporters. I'd like to single out "Too Tall" for inspiring me to start this blog and being genuinely excited whenever I tell him about a new post.

Tonight, I smoked an Excelsior petite figurado given to me by one of my clients. The guy said he had this bundle of them aging in the back if his humidor for about 10 years! I told him that sounded awful and tried to give it back, but he forced it on me. Note: sarcasm. What is not sarcastic is how toothy this wrapper was, it basically was a 3-D topographical map of the Swiss Alps. The Excelsior was initially marketed by the Te-Amo brand to be their premium flagship. Filled with Mexican and Dominican long fillers and wrapped in a San Andrean grown Connecticut wrapper, Te-Amo may have been on to something here. Either way, the pre-lit smell and draw had a surprising dark raisin and spice to it that even Kris found interesting. The ash was a camouflage gray and silver that held its density even in the ash tray. The first few puffs retained the dark sweetness and had some mixed leather and earth. As I worked my way down the cigar, the burn was amazingly even considering this guy (yeah, me) did the worst light job on it in history. The peppered spice picked up in the middle and remained throughout, along with the dark sweetness. The finish was nice, not too long lingering, and retained that sweetness and a new component: pronounced nuttiness.

Stay tuned guys and gals, 2010 is going to be a great one. In the next couple of days, I will produce my first top ten list. The title of this list will be: THE TOP TEN THINGS NOT TO DO WITH YOUR CIGAR EXPERIENCE!

Get excited. As always guys and gals, there is nothing wrong with being the best.


Regards,
Bear

Stogie Tips: Pairing Champagne and Cigars

Stogie Tips: Pairing Champagne and Cigars

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If any of you all are looking for some assistance in finding that perfect pairing to go with your bubbly, maybe this will help.

Whether it is 2009 or 2010, there is nothing wrong with knowing you're the best.

Regards,
Bear